LaunchU Business Startup Training Coming to Kennett July 14-Aug. 4

The Economic and Business Engagement Center and Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at Southeast Missouri State University announces enrollment opportunities are now available for an upcoming LaunchU class in Kennett, Missouri, for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.

Enrollment is now open for the next LaunchU, sponsored by Kennett City Light Gas & Water (CLGW) – Economic Development, July 14-Aug. 4 on Fridays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Southeast’s Kennett Regional Campus at 1230 First Street.

LaunchU is a four-week hands-on course that coaches aspiring entrepreneurs and startups through the business planning process to determine business feasibility, including the actual development of a professional, Small Business Administration-approved business plan, pitch and financial forecast. The course consists of instruction from a certified facilitator, small group activities, one-on-one business coaching, including access to market research data from the SBTDC, local experts as guest speakers, the LaunchU Startup Handbook, and a three-month license for LivePlan. At the end of the course, class participants compete with their pitch and plan to win a startup assistance package.

With the Kennett CLGW sponsorship, the cost of the course is reduced from $149 to free for each participant.

“This entrepreneurship training program provides a great opportunity for us to increase small business startup activity by offering high-quality education to local entrepreneurs,” said Jim Grebing, economic developer for the City of Kennett. “We had great participation when the program was offered in Kennett last year and have seen the positive impact of entrepreneurs who finish the course with a solid business feasibility plan.”